GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS IN A MIXED ECONOMY
FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM
Exceptions to Freedom of Ownership Can’t be against the law The government can environmental protection Zoning laws may prevent a certain type of business Patents protect inventions Licensing Agreements, Names and/or Symbols protect products
So What is the Government’s Role in a Free Enterprise Economy As a provider of general services As a supporter of business As a regulator As a competitor
General Services Education Police & Fire Roads & Bridges Welfare
As a Supporter of Business Disaster Relief Small Business Administration Government as a consumer
As a Regulator FDA, EEOC, OSHA, Licensing, health departments, minimum wage, EPA, SEC Patents, copyrights and trademarks Federal Reserve System and Federal Trade Commission
As a competitor U.S. Postmaster AmTrak TVA National Parks